Jang Donghyuk: "Han Donghoon's Return? Not Appropriate to Discuss Before Party Bulletin Board Issue Is Resolved"

"Issue Tied to Fate of the Conservative Party"
On Internal Leadership Criticism: "Focusing on Livelihood Issues"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, on September 25 once again drew a clear line regarding the issue of independent lawmaker Han Donghoon rejoining the party, citing the ongoing police investigation into the so-called 'Party Member Bulletin Board' incident.

Appearing on NewDailyTV's YouTube channel on this day, Jang responded to a question about Han's return to the party by stating, "It is not appropriate to even mention the issue of his return until the investigation into the Party Member Bulletin Board is resolved."

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is delivering a speech at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st. Photo by Dongju Yoon

The 'Party Member Bulletin Board' incident refers to allegations that posts defaming former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife were made under Han Donghoon—then the party leader—and his family's names on the People Power Party’s official website. The controversy erupted in November 2024, when a system error temporarily revealed real names of posters on the Party Member Bulletin Board. The incident subsequently led to a police investigation following civil group complaints.

Jang commented, "This is not a simple issue with the Party Member Bulletin Board. It is related to the fate of the conservative party," adding, "It ties into all the situations in which the conservative party has been fractured up to now, the draining of presidential momentum under the previous administration, and ultimately, why we inevitably faced such a tragic situation."

He went on to say, "I believe the behavior of lawmaker Han Donghoon has not changed significantly even after becoming a lawmaker."

Regarding internal criticism of his own leadership, Jang said, "People question whether we can win the next general election (in two years) or the by-election (in April next year). In the end, I believe all criticism of the leader is ultimately focused on the elections," adding, "That is why I am currently not paying attention to the various internal criticisms, issues, or controversies."

He continued, "I am working to focus on livelihood issues and to achieve tangible results, striving to make the party into a policy-oriented party that delivers political efficacy and is recognized as competent."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.